Solar window heater

ABSTRACT

A solar heating system for heating air beside a window is disclosed. The solar heating system effectively heats air beside a window in a room of a structure through use of one or more solar panels positioned to be heated by the sun and to transfer that heat to surrounding air via convection in moving air. In at least one embodiment, the solar panel may be a corrugated panel having at least one channel. The solar panel may be positioned such that as the solar panel is heated by the sun, heat is transferred from the solar panel to surrounding air via convection. The solar panel may be configured such that an upward flow of air forms when the air is heated, thereby creating a natural, warm air flow without need of a fan or other such device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/455,316, filed Oct. 19, 2010, the entirety of which is incorporated herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to solar heating systems, and more particularly, to a solar heating system useful for heating air within a structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In cold climates, windows typically represent area of heat loss in a structure or leak and allow cold air to radiate in or enter a room. Such cold air radiation or leakage increases the cost of heating a structure, such as a home, and reduces the comfort level of its occupants. While windows visually enhance a space, they represent the largest area of heat loss in a structure due to its low unit thermal resistance value (commonly known as R-value). Old and leaky windows have also traditionally been sealed with various types of weather stripping and other materials. Thus, a need exists for a system to effectively heat an interior space while reducing heat loss and leakage through a typical window area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A solar heating system for heating air beside a window is disclosed. The solar heating system effectively heats air adjacent to a window in a room of a structure through use of one or more heat absorbing solar panels. In at least one embodiment, the solar panel may be a corrugated panel having at least one channel. The solar panel may be positioned such that as the solar panel is heated by the sun, heat is transferred from the solar panel to surrounding air via convection. The solar panel may be configured such that an upward flow of air forms when the air is heated, thereby creating a natural, warm air flow without need of a fan or other such device. In one particular application, the solar heating system is suited for installation adjacent to an inside surface of a window, such as resting on a window sill. In at least one embodiment, the solar heating system may be used with existing, already installed windows to enhance energy efficiency of the windows.

The solar heating system may be formed from a solar heater support structure and one or more solar panels supported by the solar heater support structure. In at least one embodiment, the solar panel may be one or more corrugated panels. The corrugated panel may include one or more channels. A cover panel may be supported by the solar heater support structure adjacent to the corrugated panel to foster upward airflow and to increase the interior aesthetics of the solar heating system. The solar heating system may also include an inlet gap between a bottom edge of the corrugated panel and a bottommost surface of the solar heater support structure such than when installed, the inlet gap exists between the bottom edge of the corrugated panel and an adjacent structure to feed cool air beside the window to the solar heating system.

The corrugated panel may include channels to foster upward air flow. In at least one embodiment, the corrugated panel may include plurality of aligned channels. The channel may be positioned generally vertical. The corrugated panel may be positioned at an acute angle relative to the cover panel such that a lower inlet formed in the at least one channel between the cover panel and the at least one corrugated panel is larger than an upper outlet formed in the at least one channel between the cover panel and the at least one corrugated panel. Such a configuration enhances the upward flow of heated air against the corrugated panel thereby increasing heat transfer from the heated corrugated panel. This configuration also allows the corrugated panel to capture more solar energy as it is closer to being positioned orthogonal to sun rays, which are at a lower angle in the winter months.

The solar heating system may also include a bottom cover at the lower inlet gap or a top cover at the top of the device, or both, to prevent the reverse flow of cold air during cold evening hours when the solar panel is not exposed to the sun. Such covers may be hinged or strapped to the lower inlet gap or top of the device to prevent the downward flow of cold air from the bottom of the solar heating system.

The solar heater support structure may be formed from a first leg on a first side and a second leg on a second side that is on a generally opposite side of the at least one corrugated panel. The first and second legs may be attachable to a window or its surrounding structure. The first and second legs may each include a recess in a lower rear edge of each leg to facilitate installation of the solar heater structure in place to accommodate typical window trim design. A releasable connector may be attached to the solar heater support structure to releasably secure the solar heater support structure in place for use. The releasable connector may be, but is not limited to being a hook and loop connector and an adhesive.

The solar heating system may also include a cover panel having a communication surface on an outer surface of the cover panel. The communication surface may be a dry erase outer surface or a push pin board. In other embodiments, the cover panel may include a peg board on an outer surface. The cover panel may also include one or more shelves on an outer surface. The cover panel may also include a mirrored outer surface. In other embodiments, the cover panel may be painted or wallpapered, or both to match the surrounding interior design. The cover panel may also support other items, such as, but not limited to pictures, hooks, racks and the like.

An advantage of the solar heating system is that cold air radiating or leaking through windows in cold climates is passively heated to reduce the heating load of the room in which the southern facing windows exist.

Another advantage of the solar heating system is that the system is mounted on the inside of windows, thereby eliminating an issues that are likely to crop up with exterior mounting, such as rejection by a homeowners association board or an architectural review board.

Yet another advantage of this invention is that the solar heating system provides free heat when installed without having to be turned on.

Another advantage of this invention is that the solar heating system reduces utility costs.

Still another advantage of this invention is that the solar heating system is a renewable energy source.

Another advantage of this invention is that the solar heating system extends the life of conventional heating equipment.

Yet another advantage of this invention is that the solar heating system is safe because the solar heating system does not use flammable fuels or electricity to produce the free heated air.

Another advantage of this invention is that the solar heating system may be sold fully assembled and ready to install in an existing window, new or old.

Still another advantage of this invention is that the solar heating system is easy to install or uninstall because the solar heating system is thin and lightweight.

Another advantage of this invention is that the solar heating system does not deteriorate or become functionally obsolete over time.

These and other embodiments are described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the presently disclosed invention and, together with the description, disclose the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a solar heating system positioned in a window.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the solar heating system of FIG. 1 with a cover panel removed.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the solar heating system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the solar heating system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the solar heating system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the solar heating system taken from section line 5-5 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is detail view of the solar heater support structure taken at detail 7 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the solar heater support structure with a cover panel having a mirror.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the solar heater support structure with a cover panel having a peg board.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the solar heater support structure with a cover panel having a push pin board.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the solar heater support structure with a cover panel having one or more shelves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIGS. 1-11, a solar heating system 10 for heating air beside a window is disclosed. The solar heating system 10 effectively heats air adjacent to a window 12 in a room of a structure through use of one or more solar panels 14. In at least one embodiment, the solar panel 14 may be a corrugated panel having at least one channel. The solar panel 14 may be positioned such that as the solar panel 14 is heated by the sun by absorbing solar radiant energy, heat is transferred from the solar panel 14 to surrounding air via convection. The solar panel 14 may be configured such that an upward flow of air forms when the air is heated, thereby creating a natural, warm air flow without need of a fan or other such device. In one particular application, the solar heating system 10 is suited for installation adjacent to an inside surface 16 of a window 12, such as resting on a window sill 18. The solar heating system 10 may be configured for installation adjacent to an existing window 12, thereby, retrofitting the existing window 12.

The solar heating system 10 may be configured to heat air in close proximity to a window 12. The solar heating system 10 may be formed from a solar heater support structure 20. The solar heater support structure 20 may be any appropriate structure capable of supporting the solar panel 14. In at least one embodiment, as shown in

FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the solar heater support structure 20 may be formed from a first leg 22 on a first side 24 and a second leg 26 on a second side 28 that is on a generally opposite side of the corrugated panel 34. The first and second legs 22, 26 may be formed from any material capable of supporting the solar panel 14. The first and second legs 22, 26 may be formed from a material that is paintable. The first and second legs 22, 26 may be formed from a material such as, but not limited to, wood, foam, plastic coated foam, recycled materials and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the one of the first and second legs 22, 26, or both, may include a recess 30 in a lower rear edge 32 of each leg to facilitate installation of the solar heater support structure 20 in place on a window sill 18. The recess accommodates window components and window trim to facilitate installation of the solar heating system 10 on a window will 18.

The solar panel 14 of the solar heating system 10 may be formed from a structure that capture sun rays and allows the sun rays to heat the structure. The solar panel 14 may be formed from a dark color material, such as, but not limited to, black. In another embodiment, the solar panel 14 may have a dark colored surface as the outer surface 78. The inner surface 84 may not be covered with any coating so as to not limited convection at the inner surface 84. In at least one embodiment, the solar panel 14 may be formed from materials, such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, such as, but not limited to, copper, aluminum and steel, fiberglass, graphite, and carbon matrix composite.

The solar panel 14 may be formed from one or more corrugated panels 34. The corrugated panel 34 may be formed from one or more channels 36. The channels 34 operate to channel air upward and to increase the velocity of heated air across the heated surface of the solar panel 14, which in turn increases the amount of heat transfer. The channels 36 may have any appropriate configuration. The channels 34 increase the exposed surface area, which increases the surface area upon which convective heat transfer from the metal to the air can occur. In addition, the channels 34 may be formed from portions at different angular positions. As such, the channels 34 increase the amount of surface area of the solar panel 14 positioned orthogonally relative to the sun as the sun moves across the sky during the day. The channels 36 may be formed from a curved surface or, as shown in FIG. 3, may be formed from a plurality of linear surfaces. In at least one embodiment, the corrugated panel 34 may be formed from a plurality of channels 36. As shown in FIG. 2, the channels 36 may generally extend in a direction from a bottom edge 38 toward a top edge 40. In at least one embodiment, the channels 36 may extend from the bottom edge 38 to the top edge 40. As such, the channels 36 may be positioned generally vertical. The channels 36 may be aligned with each other, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. In other embodiments, the channels 36 may be misaligned, may be grouped into aligned or misaligned sections, may form a pattern or may be positioned at random.

The corrugated panel 34 may be supported by the solar heater support structure 20. The corrugated panel 34 may be supported in any appropriate manner. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a first edge 42 of the corrugated panel 34 may be attached to the first leg 22, and a second edge 44 of the corrugated panel 34 may be attached to the second leg 26. The first and second edges 42, 44 may be attached via mechanical fasteners, adhesives, and the like.

The solar heating system 10 may include a cover panel 46, as shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 8-11, supported by the solar heater support structure 20 adjacent to the corrugated panel 34. The cover panel 46 may be useful for creating better airflow along the solar panel 14 and may be aesthetically pleasing to better fit the solar panel 14 within a room. The cover panel 46 may be useful for other purposes as well. In particular, the cover panel 46 may include a communication surface 48 on all or a portion of an outer surface 50 of the cover panel 46. The communication surface 48 may be configured to facilitate the sharing of written communication and other forms of communication. For instance, the communication surface 48 may be a dry erase outer surface 52, as shown in FIG. 5, or a push pin board 54, as shown in FIG. 10. The communication surface may also be part dry erase surface 52 and part push pin board 54. The cover panel 46 may also be a peg board 56, as shown in FIG. 9, on the outer surface 50 for supporting support arms for holding a wide variety of items. The cover panel 46, as shown in FIG. 11, may also include one or more shelves 58 on the outer surface 50. The cover panel 46, as shown in FIG. 8, may also include a mirror 60, which may be a mirrored outer surface. The cover panel 46 may be supported in position with one or more spacers 80, as shown in FIG. 6. In other embodiments, the cover panel may be painted or wallpapered, or both to match the surrounding interior design. The cover panel may also support other items, such as, but not limited to pictures, hooks, racks and the like.

The solar heating system 10 may be configured to create improved airflow past the solar panel 14. For instance, in at least one embodiment, the solar heating system 10 may be configured such that a lower inlet 62 is larger than an upper outlet 64. In such a configuration, the solar panel 14 may be referred to as being sloped. In particular, the solar panel 14 may be positioned relative to the cover panel 46 such that the corrugated panel 34 is positioned at an acute angle 66, shown in FIG. 2, relative to the cover panel 46 such that the lower inlet 62 formed in the channel 36 between the cover panel 46 and the corrugated panel 34 is larger than the upper outlet 64 formed in the channel 36 between the cover panel 46 and the corrugated panel 34. The acute angle 66 may be between about one degree and about 20 degrees. Such a configuration enhances the upward flow of heated air against the metal plate thereby increasing heat transfer from the heated metal plate. This configuration also allows the solar panel 14 to capture more solar energy because the solar panel 14 is positioned closer to a position of being orthogonal to the sun rays.

The solar heating system 10 may also include an inlet gap 68 positioned between the bottom edge 38 of the corrugated panel 34 and a bottommost surface 70 of the solar heater support structure 20 such than when installed, the inlet gap 68 exists between the bottom edge 38 of the corrugated panel 34 and an adjacent structure, which may be, but is not limited to being, a window sill 18. When the solar heating system 10 is installed adjacent to a window 12, solar heater support structure 20 positions solar panel 14 above the window sill 18, thereby creating the inlet gap 68 through which air from the cavity next to the window 12 flows. As such, the inlet gap 68 provides a route for cold air to flow from the cavity next to the window 12 into the heating chamber 72 positioned between the solar panel 14 and the cover panel 46. In another embodiment, the inlet gap 68 may be formed from a plurality of orifices in the solar panel 14 at the bottom edge 38.

The solar heating system 10 may be placed into position near a window 12 in any appropriate manner. In at least one embodiment, the solar heating system 10 may be held in position with a releasable connector 74 attached to the solar heater support structure 20 to releasably secure the solar heater support structure 20 in place for use. The releasable connector 74 may be, but is not limited to being, a hook and loop connector and an adhesive.

The solar heating system 10 may also include a bottom cover 82 at the lower inlet gap 68 or a top cover 76 at the top of the solar panel 14, or both, to prevent the reverse flow of cold air during cold evening hours when the solar panel is not exposed to the sun. The bottom cover 82 may cover the inlet gap 68. The bottom cover 82 may be formed from any appropriate material. The bottom cover 82 may or may not be attached to the solar heater support structure 20. In at least one embodiment, the bottom cover 82 may be rotatably coupled to the solar heater support structure 20 with a connector, such as, but not limited to, a hinge to prevent the downward flow of cold air from the bottom of the solar heating system. The top cover 76 may cover the upper outlet 64. The top cover 76 may be formed from any appropriate material. The top cover 76 may or may not be attached to the solar heater support structure 20. In at least one embodiment, the top cover 76 may be rotatably coupled to the solar heater support structure 20 with a connector, such as, but not limited to, a hinge to prevent the downward flow of cold air from the bottom of the solar heating system.

During use, the solar heating system 10 may be used to provide convective heating. In at least one application, the solar heating system 10 may be used to provide solar heating of air to a room which includes a window 12. For instance, the solar heating system 10 may be placed in close proximity to the window 12. As such, solar heater support structure 20 may be attached to the window 12 or to components near the window 12. In such a position, an outer heating chamber 86 is formed between the solar panel 14 and the window 12 such that air is channeled between the window 12 and the solar panel 14. The solar heater support structure 20 may be rested on the window sill 18 and releasably attached to the trim that frames out the window 12. The releasable connector 74 may be used to releasably attach the solar heater support structure 20 to the trim around the window 12. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the outer surface 78 of the solar panel 14 may be a dark color and should be directly exposed to sun coming through the window 12. The outer surface 78 may be positioned as close as possible to being orthogonal o the sun rays for maximum output. Any blinds or other obstructions should be removed. The solar heating system 10 should be used with southerly facing windows 12 in the northern hemisphere and northerly facing windows 12 in the southern hemisphere. Windows 12 with eastern and western exposures may be used, but will produce less warm air.

Cold air enters the heating chamber 72 through the inlet gap 68 between the bottom edge 38 of the solar panel 14 and the window sill 18. The air is heated as it contacts the solar panel 14. As the air is heated, the air rises through the heating chamber 72 and is exhausted into the room through the upper outlet 64. The sun may heat the solar panel 14 to temperatures as high as about 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of this invention. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this invention. 

1. A solar heating system for heating air adjacent to a window within a structure, comprising: a solar heater support structure; at least one solar panel supported by the solar heater support structure; wherein the at least one solar panel includes at least one channel; and a cover panel supported by the solar heater support structure adjacent to the at least one solar panel.
 2. The solar heating system of claim 1, wherein the at least one solar panel comprises at least one corrugated panel.
 3. The solar heating system of claim 1, further comprising an inlet gap between a bottom edge of the at least one solar panel and a bottommost surface of the solar heater support structure such than when installed, the inlet gap exists between the bottom edge of the at least one solar panel and an adjacent structure.
 4. The solar heating system of claim 1, wherein the at least one solar panel is positioned at an acute angle relative to the cover panel such that a lower inlet formed in the at least one channel between the cover panel and the at least one solar panel is larger than an upper outlet formed in the at least one channel between the cover panel and the at least one solar panel.
 5. The solar heating system of claim 1, wherein the at least one channel is positioned generally vertical.
 6. The solar heating system of claim 1, wherein the at least one channel in the at least one solar panel comprises a plurality of aligned channels.
 7. The solar heating system of claim 1, wherein the solar heater support structure is formed from a first leg on a first side and a second leg on a second side that is on a generally opposite side of the at least one solar panel.
 8. The solar heating system of claim 6, wherein the first and second legs each include a recess in a lower rear edge of each leg to facilitate installation of the solar heater structure in place.
 9. The solar heating system of claim 1, further comprising a top cover for covering the upper outlet of the at least one formed in the at least one channel between the cover panel and the solar panel.
 10. The solar heating system of claim 1, further comprising a bottom cover for covering the inlet gap.
 11. The solar heating system of claim 1, wherein the cover panel includes a communication surface on an outer surface of the cover panel.
 12. The solar heating system of claim 11, wherein the communication surface is a dry erase outer surface.
 13. The solar heating system of claim 11, wherein the communication surface is selected from a group consisting of a push pin board and a peg board on an outer surface.
 14. The solar heating system of claim 1, wherein the cover panel includes at least one shelf on an outer surface.
 15. The solar heating system of claim 1, wherein the cover panel includes a mirrored outer surface.
 16. The solar heating system of claim 1, further comprising a releasable connector attached to the solar heater support structure to releasably secure the solar heater support structure in place for use.
 17. The solar heating system of claim 16, wherein the releasable connector is selected from a group consisting of a hook and loop connector and an adhesive.
 18. A solar heating system for heating air adjacent to a window within a structure, comprising: a solar heater support structure; at least one corrugated panel supported by the solar heater support structure; wherein the at least one corrugated panel includes a plurality of aligned channels; a cover panel supported by the solar heater support structure adjacent to the at least one corrugated panel; and an inlet gap between a bottom edge of the at least one corrugated panel and a bottommost surface of the solar heater support structure such than when installed, the inlet gap exists between the bottom edge of the at least one corrugated panel and an adjacent structure.
 19. The solar heating system of claim 18, wherein the at least one corrugated panel is positioned at an acute angle relative to the cover panel such that a lower inlet formed in the at least one channel between the cover panel and the at least one corrugated panel is larger than an upper outlet formed in the at least one channel between the cover panel and the at least one corrugated panel.
 20. The solar heating system of claim 18, wherein the solar heater support structure is formed from a first leg on a first side and a second leg on a second side that is on a generally opposite side of the at least one corrugated panel.
 21. The solar heating system of claim 18, wherein the cover panel is selected from a group consisting of a dry erase outer surface, a push pin board, a peg board on an outer surface, a shelf on an outer surface, and a mirrored outer surface.
 22. A solar heating system for heating air adjacent to a window within a structure, comprising: a solar heater support structure; at least one corrugated panel supported by the solar heater support structure; wherein the at least one corrugated panel includes at least one channel; a cover panel supported by the solar heater support structure adjacent to the at least one corrugated panel; an inlet gap between a bottom edge of the at least one corrugated panel and a bottommost surface of the solar heater support structure such than when installed, the inlet gap exists between the bottom edge of the at least one corrugated panel and an adjacent structure; and wherein the at least one corrugated panel is positioned at an acute angle relative to the cover panel such that a lower inlet formed in the at least one channel between the cover panel and the at least one corrugated panel is larger than an upper outlet formed in the at least one channel between the cover panel and the at least one corrugated panel. 